Main navigation

REPORT: Son of 'Hunger Games' 2nd Unit Director Goes on Killing Spree

Published
9:34 AM PDT, May 24, 2014

Photo: Facebook

A gunman, believed to be the son of Hunger Games 2nd Unit director Peter Rodger, reportedly went on a shooting spree on Friday night leaving seven dead and seven injured in Isla Vista, California, a town neighboring UC Santa Barbara.

In a YouTube video posted on Friday, Rodger sits in the driver's seat of a car and revealed his plans to "slaughter the hottest sorority girls at UCSB." In a blog post, Rodger wrote: "Being lonely in a beautiful place like Santa Barbara is truly a horrible experience. As I've said many times, a beautiful environment can be the darkest hell if you have to experience it all alone, especially while having to watch other men walking around with their girlfriends."

Reportedly seven people, including the shooter, were left dead. Three of the victims were stabbed to death at the suspect's apartment prior to the shooting spree.

Sheriff Bill Brown told The Santa Barbara Independent that dispatchers responded to calls of shots fired at 9:27 p.m. According to Sheriff Brown, a gunfight ensued with deputies, but no deputies have reported injuries.

After this exchange, Sheriff Brown told the news source that the suspect fled in his car and crashed into a parked vehicle.

Rodger was reportedly found dead in his car with a gunshot wound to the head.

The gunman's stepmother is an actress who appeared in The Green Zone and a French version of Real Housewives. Rodger was seen at the The Hunger Games premiere with his father and stepmother.

UCSB gave a statement to ET, saying that they are closely monitoring the details of the shooting and that the "UC Police Department is working closely with the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office in support of the ongoing investigation."

University of California President Janet Napolitano issued the following statement:

"I am shocked and deeply saddened by the news of a mass shooting last night in the Isla Vista area near UC Santa Barbara. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this tragedy, their families and the entire Santa Barbara community. I have been in touch with UCSB Chancellor Henry Yang since the news broke, and have told him the UC Office of the President will assist his campus in any way we can.

"While details on the shooting are scarce and families are still being notified, the campus is already taking steps in response. University officials have set up a room for families who are coming to campus, and are making counseling services available to any students, faculty and staff who need our support. UC Santa Barbara officials are also working with the local County Sheriff's Office and have opened the campus' Emergency Operations Center. We will share additional information as it becomes available."

A source tells ET that the family contacted the police a month ago, because they were worried about him. At the time police thought he was fine.